GRAVETTE -- The annual library gala, hosted by the Gravette Public Library advisory board, was held Saturday evening, Nov. 3, in the commons at Gravette High School. The "Libraries Rock" theme was reflected in table decorations featuring phonograph records, soda fountain ice cream floats and vintage cars. A "Who Dun It?" mystery game was a highlight of the evening, with 10 suspects dressed in costume as candidates for the murderer.
The guests at the gala were under the premise that they were attending a benefit concert and a murder victim was found in the dressing room. The 10 suspects were introduced and each gave a brief biographical sketch. During a "mix and mingle" time, guests were able to share clues, examine evidence recovered from each suspect and enjoy stuffed mushrooms, spinach artichoke dip with assorted crackers, smoked sausage and cheese.
Suspects were introduced and detectives' evidence was presented by Det. Clarence O'Dell (David Keck) and a medical report was read by Dr. Max Kline (Bill Mattler). Sally Shorter played Willeen Taylor, Esq., the victim's lawyer, and read the will. During dinner, guests were entertained by the music of Patrick Bell, "Mr. Music," and were able to vote for the suspect they believed was guilty.
Dinner was catered by Steven Martinez and crew from Hardluck Cafe. Entrees included pecan crusted chicken and beef bourguignon, served with scalloped potatoes with ham, green beans and baby carrots with brown sugar sauce. Desserts were a choice of carrot, pecan praline, pumpkin spice and white chocolate raspberry bundtini cakes.
Auctioneer David Barber conducted a lively auction after dinner. Auction items included a home-baked chocolate cake, a Michael Kors handbag, Memorial Day weekend in Branson, Tulsa Opera tickets, an Oklahoma City Zoo membership, a private star party and the privilege to sit at the "heads" table and the "tails" table at next year's gala.
Six guests correctly identified the murderer. The culprit was Buddy Holly (Larry Jones). The names of those six were placed in a drawing and two names were chosen to receive gift cards. Dean Martin (Jay Oliphant) was voted Most Authentic Male Character and received Kansas City Royals baseball tickets, and Peggy Lee (Melinda Griffin) was voted Most Authentic Female Character and received a Sophie's Boutique gift certificate. Linda Oliphant received an Amazeum gift basket for Most Authentic Hairstyle.
Other suspects included Bobby Darin (Jack Kinney), Eydie Gorme (Kathy Johnson), J.P. Richardson, the "Big Bopper" (David Bailey), Patti Page (Lavon Stark), Debbie Reynolds (Paulette Austin), Frank Sinatra (Carl Rabey), and Rosemary Clooney (Dr. Nancy Jones).
A drawing was also held for the library's hog raffle fundraiser, and Lisa Spears won the whole hog donated by Roy Perrine and processing donated by Southwest City Processing.
Library supervisor Karen Benson thanked Will Trentham, the evening's emcee, Steven Martinez, Patrick Bell and David Barber and library board members Melinda Crawley, Roy Perrine, Carole Robel and Susan Holland.
In the auction, $2,515 was raised, $838 was raised from donations by unsuccessful bidders and nonbidders and $460 from the hog raffle. All proceeds will benefit the Gravette Public Library.
Community on 11/07/2018